Continuing their promising talk of cooperation back in November 2021, University Al-Azhar Indonesia (UAI) and Institute of Arabic Manuscript (Institute) proceed to discussed collaboration talks on March 14, 2022. The meeting was attended by the Director of Institute, Dr. Mourad Al-Rifi, Vice Rector IV on the field of Innovation and Cooperation of UAI, Dr. Ir. Ade Jamal, Dean of Humanities, Dr. Lusi Lian Piantari, S.S., M.Hum., Head of Office of International Affairs (OIA), Mohamad Ghozali Moenawar, Lc., M.M., Head of Arabic Language and Culture Study Program of UAI, Fazlur Rachman, S.Pd.I., M.S., Mr. Muchammad Nasucha, SS., M.Si as the Head of Academic and Industrial Division of OIA UAI and etc.

The meeting was commenced with reciting prayers by Mr. Ghozali, then Dr. Ade conveyed his remarks, he is estatic and agree with Dr. Mourad proposal on conducting international symposium or confrence in Arabic, furthermore he hoped this meeting would be the hallmark of a successful cooperation between both parties. On his reply speech, Dr. Mourad echoed Dr. Ade sentiment as he would love to foster a prolific collaboration with UAI, then he appreciated KBRI Cairo role in becoming a bridge of communication in unfolding cooperation between UAI and Institute.

As Dr. Mourad spoke, Dr. Iin Suryaningsih as the Lecturer of Arabic Language and Culture Study Program of UAI, translated Dr. Mourad speech. Dr. Mourad touched the subject on scholarship for UAI students in Arabic Language and Culture Study Program, that the Institute will gave scholarship to the aforementioned UAI students in Arabic manuscript subject. Furthermore, Dr. Mourad emphasized 3 crucial matters that both parties should examine and agreed upon. First, regarding the collaboration on mechanization of cataloging or formulating catalog for Arabic manuscripts.

Next, the issue of translating Arabic manuscript, Institute yearn for this Arabic manuscripts to be translated to English, Japan or other language in order for Muslims in non-Islamic country have the access to comprehend this manuscripts, thus Institute hoped that Faculty of Humanities of UAI can translate this manuscripts. Third, Institute is aware that yearly international symposium or confrence in Arabic is imperative. International symposium or some sort able to disseminate knowledge contained in the Arabic manuscripts to the western civilization and to the world.

We believed that is in line with Institute and UAI vision and mission as an Islamic Higher Education Institution (HEI). Moreover, in the next meeting both parties will decide the date of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Dr. Ade supported Dr. Mourad notion and UAI will analyze the MoU draft sent by Institute via KBRI Cairo and will provide suggestion for the MoU draft. Ergo, the momentum of cooperation is in all time high and respective institutions devotion for circulating Islamic knowledge are testaments on their dedication to attain their vision and mission.

-Bagus Ramadhan-